Posts Tagged virus

Cyber Threats: Drive-by attacks

Jul 27

Posted by Blue E Blogger in Uncategorized | No Comments

There are a variety of drive-by attack examples but the two most common ways people fall victim to an attack are when the user indirectly authorises a download without understanding the consequence, for example they believe they are downloading an ActiveX update when they are in fact downloading a virus. This can happen when visiting an unofficial website usually via a spam email. If a user is ever concerned by a link they have been sent they should never click on it, our advice is to use a search engine and type in the website name – not the entire link.

The second is through download of spyware, a computer virus or any kind of malware that happens without knowledge of the user. This can happen by checking out a website or email or by clicking on a deceptive popup window. Again the team at Internet Explorer would advise you don’t open any emails or links you are unfamiliar with. If you ever doubt the authenticity of a website link then please go to it via a search engine such as www.bing.com

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Cyber Threats: Phishing Top Tips

Jul 23

Posted by Blue E Blogger in Tips & Tricks | No Comments

In our final post of the week the Internet Explorer team have compiled a list of top tips to help you against the threat of phishing scams.

1.  Make sure you have the latest Internet Explorer installed on your machine with SmartScreen filters turned on http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windows/internet-explorer/browse-with-confidence.aspx?WT.mc_id=Search&WT.srch=1

2.  Recognise a phishing email. Emails sent to you may look authentic but simply techniques such as ‘typo-squatting’ usually give websites away. For example rather than “www.microsoft.com” it might be typed “www.micosoft.com”, “www.mircosoft.com” or “www.verify-microsoft.com”. For more information visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/symptoms.aspx

3.  Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information

4.  Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information. You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone

5.  Install up-to-date antivirus and antispyware software. Some phishing e-mail contains malicious or unwanted software that can track your activities or simply slow your computer. Try new antivirus and comprehensive computer health services like Windows Live OneCare. To help prevent spyware or other unwanted software, download Windows Defender

6.  Check website addresses! When reading your emails, hover your cursor over the links in the email, whilst the cursor is over the link, look at the status bar at bottom of the screen which will show the correct URL for the link.        

7.  Always ensure that you’re using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser

8.  Don’t use the same username and password details for multiple accounts – once the data snatcher has access to one account, it will be easy for them to access all the others.

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Stay safe with Internet Explorer

Jun 15

Posted by Blue E Blogger in Tips & Tricks | 1 Comment

Here at IE HQ we are always looking to improve your internet experience. We understand that alongside speed, security is one of the most important factors to a great Internet experience and we are continually developing our products so that viruses such as Malware do not affect your PC.

This week the blog will look at security and offer a few more tips on how to keep your PC safe.

  1. Keep your computer software up to date. Keep all software (including your web browser) current with automatic updates. If you are not already running Internet Explorer 8, the latest version of our web browser, click the button to the right to get it.
  2. Defend your computer. Use firewall, antivirus, antispam, and antispyware software. For an added layer of protection on your PC, you can download Microsoft Security Essentials for free or find other antivirus solutions.
  3. Avoid phishing scams and malware.By default Internet Explorer 8 runs SmartScreen Filter to help block and warn you of malicious software or phishing threats. SmartScreen Filter alerts you if a site you are trying to open has been reported as unsafe and allows you to report any unsafe sites you find.
  4. Never respond to unsolicited requests to update your account information. These e-mail messages might be scams for stealing your identity. Most legitimate companies never send unsolicited e-mail or instant message requests for your passwords or other personal information. And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  5. Browse more privately. When you’re using a public computer to check e-mail or you’re shopping for a “surprise” gift on a family PC, it’s a good idea to use InPrivate Browsing—a feature that helps prevent your browsing history, cookies, and other information from being retained on your computer.

If you’d like more top tips on staying safe online click here

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/tips-and-tricks/safer-online-shopping.aspx

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